A heartbreaking tragedy has rocked a Hollywood, Florida, neighborhood after a 13-year-old boy with autism died days following a fire that had already claimed his grandmother’s life. The fire broke out early last Wednesday, sending three members of the same family to the hospital.
What Happened on South Ocean Drive
The fire began around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at an apartment building located at 415 S. Ocean Drive, according to Hollywood Fire Rescue officials. When crews arrived, they found a man—later identified as Anthony Miller—injured outside the building, pleading for help.
Firefighters rushed into the burning unit, where they found Patricia Miller, the family’s grandmother, and Thomas Miller, Anthony’s 13-year-old son who had autism. All three were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment.
Thomas Miller Fought for Days Before Passing
After initial treatment, both Anthony and Thomas Miller were transferred to the Burn Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. On Monday, May 20, the family confirmed the devastating news that Thomas had died from his injuries.
His death comes just days after the passing of his grandmother, and while his father remains hospitalized, his current condition has not been disclosed.
Community Mourning a Family Tragedy
Loved ones describe Thomas as a bright and kind-hearted teen who lived with autism. The family is now dealing with the overwhelming grief of losing two generations in less than a week. Friends, neighbors, and the broader community have expressed condolences and are rallying support.
A memorial fund or GoFundMe has not yet been publicly announced, but residents in the area have already begun leaving flowers and messages near the scene of the fire.
Stay Informed and Support Local Families
As the investigation into the fire continues, officials have not yet released the cause. This tragedy highlights how quickly lives can change — and the need for community support during unimaginable loss.
Stay informed and follow us for more local updates on this developing story.
Original reporting from:
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
